Electronic media distribution system and method

Abstract

A method of electronically distributing media files to remote users is disclosed. An interactive user interface is provided on at least one remote receiver processor, and a plurality of media files are electronically uploaded from at least one remote media source to a central media storage location upon payment of a source fee. A media stream that includes a series of uploaded media files is broadcast to the remote receiver processor for real-time play of the media stream via the user interface. Remote users are permitted to select one or more media files from either the media stream or the plurality of uploaded media files for play via the user interface, and to select and download one or more media files from the plurality of uploaded media files to a remote storage location upon payment of a user fee. A system for uploading and electronically distributing the media files also is disclosed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 554,649, filed Mar. 19, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to systems and methods for electronic distribution of media files, and more particularly relates to a system and method for electronically marketing and distributing digital media files produced by independent artists to remote listeners and purchasers. BACKGROUND [0003] Today, independent recording artists can produce “radio ready” digital music tracks easily and inexpensively. Accordingly, traditional label-backed recording studios are no longer essential to the production of high-quality musical recordings. Nevertheless, the major recording companies still control the most popular and profitable distribution channels for recordings on physical media such as compact discs. New methods of electronic distribution and sale of label-backed musical recordings also are available, such as Apple's popular iTun...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The invention provides a niche media distribution system and method for the media industry. The invention is particularly adapted for the marketing and distribution of local and regional musical recordings by independent artists. The invention includes an internet-based radio broadcast system that lowers traditional barriers to entry to mainstream audiences for unsigned artists. The invention permits such artists to publish their music online, and provides artists a greater chance to be heard by a larger audience than the artist's independent marketing efforts and live club network can provide. The invention provides for the distribution of media content from a large pool of independent artists. The invention also provides an inexpensive distribution method for artists' works as opposed to expensive conventional distribution methods and systems that are currently available. The invention includes a streaming broadcast format combined with both upload and download capabilities for digital media files created by independent artists

[0010] The invention includes a website that independent artists can access to upload their electronically recorded works for online distribution, and a site for listeners to sample and download media files for future play back. This system and method is different than those currently available. The invention permits independent artists and musicians to upload their musical recordings to be played in an online streaming radio format from which listeners can select and purchase the recordings for future play back. When listeners purchase and download an artist's song, a percentage of the revenue from the sale is paid to the artist who uploaded the song. This motivates artists to contribute to the pool of uploaded music because they directly benefit from the increased exposure of their music. The more listeners, the greater the opportunity that an artist's songs will be purchased. No known Internet music sites provide an artist with the ability to upload electronic music files for distribution, and also permit listeners to listen to the uploaded music in a streaming radio format and to selectively download musical content such as a single selected song.

[0012] Contributing artists are enticed to upload their songs for a fee by offering a service that is not currently available to independent artists. This service includes a searchable website with a unique broadcast radio station format that streams a rotation of uploaded songs to listeners. This streaming radio format rotation provides an independent artist a greater chance of being heard by a broader audience versus the industry standard “search” method.

[0013] The invention provides an easy to use user interface that allows listeners to select music based on preferences such as style of music or city in which the artist is located. The radio format is designed to keep a listener tuned in for long periods of time by requiring very little interaction by the listener until the listener is ready to make a purchase. Listeners are motivated to access the web-radio format in order to: 1) find new cutting edge music, 2) find a local artist and where the artist is currently playing, or 3) to find a band to play at their business establishment. A website according to the invention also provides a listener with the capability to search for music selections by musician name, song name, city, state, zip code, or musical genre.

Problems solved by technology

None of these distribution methods, however, includes a radio format option whereby uploaded recordings are randomly broadcast for enjoyment and screening by potential purchasers.

When a purchaser must use a search feature to find desirable musical content, unknown artists and less well known artists have difficulty getting exposure and encouraging purchased downloads of their music.

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